MDVAX vs. SMTRX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MDVAX (MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund) and SMTRX (ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund) are both Intermediate Core-Plus Bond funds. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MDVAX charges 1.07%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for SMTRX.

Performance

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund (MDVAX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MDVAX

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.73%
• YTD: 2.47%
• 6M: 2.70%
• 1Y: 7.78%
• 3Y*: 5.92%
• 5Y*: 0.30%
• 10Y*: 2.21%

SMTRX

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MDVAX MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund	0.37%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	-0.10%

Correlation

The correlation between MDVAX and SMTRX is 0.83, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2026	0.83

Return for Risk

MDVAX vs. SMTRX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

MDVAX

MDVAX Risk / Return Rank: 83
MDVAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 78
MDVAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
MDVAX Omega Ratio Rank: 79
MDVAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
MDVAX Martin Ratio Rank: 86

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund (MDVAX) and ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund (SMTRX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	MDVAX	SMTRX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.20	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.76	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.86	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MDVAX	SMTRX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.54	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.71	-2.96	+3.67

Drawdowns

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MDVAX drawdown since its inception was -23.02%, which is greater than SMTRX's maximum drawdown of -0.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MDVAX and SMTRX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MDVAX	SMTRX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.02%	-0.21%	-22.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.21%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-5.44%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.02%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-23.02%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.49%	-0.21%	-3.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.47%	-0.08%	-3.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.52%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MDVAX	SMTRX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.95%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.17%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.28%	2.47%	+0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	6.46%	2.47%	+3.99%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.27%	2.47%	+2.80%

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MDVAX has a 1.07% expense ratio, which is higher than SMTRX's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

MDVAX vs. SMTRX - Dividend Comparison

MDVAX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.99%, more than SMTRX's 0.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MDVAX MassMutual Diversified Bond Fund	3.99%	3.91%	2.45%	4.87%	3.76%	4.06%	7.20%	2.90%	2.86%	2.64%	2.11%	0.53%
SMTRX ALPS/Smith Total Return Bond Fund	0.36%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MDVAX and SMTRX in my portfolio?

MDVAX and SMTRX have a correlation of 0.83, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.